Abstract: An improved structure of a multifunctional eye mask comprising an elastic tightening strap, a main body, a heat healing device and a controller, characterized in that the elastic tightening strap is used to tie the mask to the eyes of user, the front section of the belt is mounted with the main body and the heat healing device, and the main body includes an air pump, an air releasing valve, a tube, a pair of vibration motors, a buzzer, a wiring board, and the exterior of the main body is provided with wires linked to the controller, the heat healing device consists of a front and a rear protective plate formed into a mask-like structure containing an air sac, a heat-emitting element, an air inlet for the air sac and the heat-emitting element are connected to the main body, the controller is provided with a circuit device with controlling switches and adjusting knobs on the surface thereof, thereby when in use, by means of the circuit device, the air sac and the heat emitting element expand and contract and em

Abstract: A custom ankle brace which is made to compensate for debilitating conditions of an individual patient's ankle area. The brace is custom made by creating a negative cast of the patient's foot/ankle/lower-leg; and then prescribed markings are included on the negative cast by the castmaker to indicate the desired geometry of support. The markings are transferable to a positive cast to inform the bracemaker. The custom brace has inner and outer material layers with a stiffening element within, all fitted to the shape of a built-up positive cast, the stiffening element having a unitary horizontal partial sole portion and vertical back-and-sides-of-leg portion. The stiffening element, made from a thin polymeric sheet, is vacuum and heat fitted to the built-up positive cast.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a predetermined area on a heart of a patient to enable a surgical procedure, the apparatus comprising a bifurcated member having two elongated prongs which can be adjustable as to width and an elongated handle segment attached to the bifurcated member. The handle segment can be either fixably or pivotably attached to the bifurcated member. The apparatus may further comprise an attachment or inlay to prevent lateral movement thereof when being used in the surgical procedure. The apparatus may also include a cleat for securing a portion of the surgical thread used during the surgical process. At least a portion of the prongs (or feet) of the bifurcated member may further be independently rotatable for self-alignment with the surface of the predetermined area of the heart.

Abstract: The bandage (10) for overload symptoms, femoropatellar pain syndromes and the patella point syndrome of an elastic bandage cloth in tubular form with a circumferentially extending insert (30) of a wavy knitted fabric (40) posesses in the front bandage portion (12) a pressure pad (50) or an annular pressure pad located within the area above the patella when the bandage is applied, which is open towards the top and leaves the quadriceps tenson uncovered (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A heel elevating device is adapted for being applied to the lower leg of a reclined patient to elevate the heel of the patient above a supporting surface. The heel elevating device includes a generally U-shaped lower leg support having a base and first and second opposed extensions. The extensions define an opening therebetween for receiving and supporting the lower leg of the patient. A comfort liner is secured to an interior of the lower leg support for cushioning the lower leg and providing a soft, protective surface against the skin of the patient. Adjustable fitting straps are provided for adjustably fitting the lower leg support to the lower leg of the patient.

Abstract: A method and appliance for treating carpal tunnel syndrome has a splint with dorsal, thenar and hypothenar portions for applying pressure to the respective dorsal aspect of the hand and to thenar and hypothenar areas of a palmar aspect of the hand to induce stretching of the carpal ligament and flexor retinaculum. The thenar and hypothenar portions of the splint are connected to opposite sides of the dorsal portion and are spaced from the dorsal portion to allow for the insertion of the hand to be treated. The splint is preferably formed from a unitary piece of substantially rigid material and is sized and shaped to closely receive the hand with the dorsal, thenar and hypothenar portions substantially aligned with and covering the respective dorsal aspect, and thenar and hypothenar areas of the palmar aspect of the hand.

Abstract: A shoulder brace consists of a figure "8" strap tensioned between a lower loop anchored around a thigh and a collar or sleeve worn on an opposite upper arm corresponding to an injured shoulder so as to extend the upper loop diagonally across the torso, thereby immobilizing the upper arm to prevent shoulder abduction and external rotation after, for example, shoulder dislocation. The upper and lower loops crossover adjacent the hip, with lower loop snugged under the crotch so as to allow relatively unrestricted movement of the thigh, for example, during exercise. The shoulder brace is thus well adapted for use as a sports brace.

Abstract: A brace includes a first engagement element adapted to engage or be engaged with part of the body to one side of a body joint and a second engagement element adapted to engage or be engaged with part of the body to the other side of the body joint. A joint is provided between the first engaging element and the second engaging element which joint is capable of movement in more than one plane, usually three planes. The joint is able to be clamped in the selected position.

Abstract: A dynamic tensioner that exhibits direction responsive, adjustable, rotational resistance. The tensioner is particularly suited for use in exercise equipment to provide physiological sculpting. A ratcheting mechanism is combined with an adjustable resistance bearing to provide a specific resistance in a first rotational direction, and almost no resistance in the opposite rotational direction, based on the position of a selector switch. Two of the tensioners can be used to provide adjustable resistance in both rotational directions. When two of the tensioners are used, the ratcheting mechanisms can be set to work oppositely to allow adjustable resistance in both directions, or set to work together for increased adjustable resistance in one direction and free movement in the opposite direction. Various embodiments of the adjustable resistance bearing are envisioned. An exercise bar and an exercising leg or arm brace, using the dynamic tensioner of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible massager bar, which includes a flexible round rod, two hand grips fixedly fastened to two opposite ends of the round rod, and a plurality of massaging wheels respectively turned about the round rod between the hand grips, the massaging wheels each holding a set of rotating balls around the periphery for massaging.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a predetermined area on a heart or other organ of a patient to enable a surgical procedure, the apparatus comprising a bifurcated member having two elongated prongs and an elongated handle segment pivotally attached to the bifurcated member. The handle segment can be movably attached to a rib retractor or other surgical device so that a person is not required to hold the handle segment. The apparatus may further comprise an attachment or inlay to prevent lateral movement thereof when being used in the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A device for regulating pressure which can be used to relieve discomfort caused by inner ear pressure. The device includes a hollow body having an open end, a movable member within the hollow body which defines a first chamber that extends between the movable member and the open end of the hollow body, and various alternative structural elements which regulate pressure in the first chamber. To relieve discomfort caused by inner ear pressure, the open end of the hollow body is provided with a mouthpiece. A person experiencing discomfort caused by inner ear pressure, blows through or sucks on the mouthpiece, causing a change in pressure in the first chamber. The device regulates pressure in the first chamber in such a way to help relieve the person's inner ear pressure.

Abstract: A dorsal resting hand orthosis has a substantially rigid splint member which has a wrist portion adapted to fit and receive the dorsal side of a patient's wrist. The splint also includes two lateral supports connected to a finger portion. The lateral supports are wide enough to allow a patient's knuckles to slide easily in between. The finger portion is attached to a thumb portion and together are adapted to receive the cupped hand of a patient who has their fingers juxtapositioned with the thumb in space gripping position opposite of the patient's fingers. A resilient liner extends along the inner surface of the splint and is easily removable. Straps are secured to the liner to secure the splint to the patient's forearm, wrist, fingers, and thumb.

Abstract: In ankle brace apparatus, the combination comprises a foot and ankle holder having a foot portion, and having an upper ankle portion with opposite first and second sides; support strap structure operatively connected to a holder to extend under foot portion and then to extend generally upwardly and rearwardly for retention to those opposite sides at retention zones; and retention flaps connected to the holder and extending forwardly to overlap support strap structure at retention zones, the retention flaps spaced apart to provide freely adjustable and conforming cushioning at the rear of the holder.

Abstract: A cervical traction device which can be used on a elevated support surface such as a bed which applies a tractive force to the back of the patient's skull approximate to the occipital bone through the use of contoured blocks which can preferably be positioned behind the patient's head and mounted on a head rest assembly. The tractive force can be continuous or cycled on and off manually during a cervical traction session. The head rest assembly slides on the bed or similar surface and can be vertically and laterally adjusted to vary the flexion-extension angle. The cervical traction device can be operated by the patient with or without the help of a second party.

Abstract: The wrist band with retaining lanyard of this invention is a wrist band and a retaining lanyard specifically attached to the inside of the wrist band. The wrist band is generally an elongated tubular band having an opening for insertion of a hand therethrough. Most commonly, the wrist band will be made with some type of elastic/cotton blended material that will easily stretch over the hand and fit snugly on the wrist. The wrist band also functions as a sweat band for the wrist. The lanyard has a first end, central length and a second end. In one embodiment, a first loop on the first end of the lanyard is circumferentially attached on the inside of the wrist band at a central location. This provision allows the first loop to close about the wrist if tension is applied to the lanyard concurrently with the wrist band being closed. This provides a cushion to the wrist and security from the lanyard slipping off the wrist.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acromioclavicular stabilizer including a waist band, a shoulder strap, a pad carried by the strap for positioning in the location of the acromioclavicular joint and an elbow cuff removably coupled to the waist band or shoulder strap. The present invention is adapted for non-surgical or post-operative care for reducing anatomically deforming forces present in AC separations or dislocations, and is convertible from a sling and stabilizer configuration to a stabilizer only configuration.

Abstract: A digit splint is defined by an arcuate angularly inclined base and an ovoid which extends upwardly and radially outward from the base. The base is positioned on the palmar side of a joint of a digit and the ovoid conforms to the dorsum of a digit when the digit is in an extended position without hyperextension. The ovoid has two substantially parallel sides which, when worn, conform to impinge on the sides of the joint of a digit at the axis to provide lateral stability at the joint of a digit and to prevent migration of the splint on a digit. The splint also prevents hyperextension of the joint of a digit. In an alternate configuration, the splint may be rotated 180 degrees about the horizontal axis on a joint of a finger. In this configuration, the splint provides lateral stability at a joint of a digit and corrects flexion at a joint of a digit.

Abstract: A device consisting primarily of two hinged plates with a variable tensioning mechanism. Applied to the foot and lower leg the device provides a progressive stretch for planter fascia, Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle. Enhancements, comprised of an adjustable toe support, adjustable arch support and foot strap enable maximization of stretch for various foot types and conditions. A method of setting tension levels allows for application of protocol and, in conjunction with the use of a system to measure angular displacement of the plates, provides a method of evaluating flexibility and flexibility gains of the plantar fascia/Achilles tendon system.

Abstract: A longitudinally symmetric arm sling for supporting a forearm of a person has first and second substantially identical panel sections, made of one piece or sewn together from two panel halves so that the sections define a trough with a closed aft end and an open front end into which the arm can be placed. A strap has a first end attached to the aft end of the panel sections and a second end attached to the front end of the panel sections so that portions of the strap and of the panel sections adjacent the front end define opposing loops into which a thumb or the four fingers of a patient's hand can be extended irrespective of whether the sling is worn on a right arm or a left arm. The strip is relatively wide and sewn to the panel sections so that wide sides of the strip are parallel to the panel sections. The sling and the strap are constructed of a relatively soft, stretchable material.